Bryant is one of ten U.S. universities to be recognized as a "Gold Tier" institution by the Casualty Actuarial Society's University Recognition Program. New in 2023, the program evaluates higher education institutions across the globe and honors those with a demonstrated commitment to preparing future property and casualty actuaries through their educational offerings.
"It is particularly gratifying that this recognition comes from the premier global professional property/casualty actuarial society, which is comprised of more than 10,000 credentialed actuaries from insurance companies, consulting firms, and regulatory authorities all over the world," says Rick Gorvett, Ph.D., chair of Mathematics and director of the Actuarial Math program.
No award or recognition happens in a vacuum, Gorvett emphasizes; it’s the result of the efforts of many people over a period of time. He credits three groups for their dedication in advancing Bryant's program to a level of international renown.
"First, our actuarial faculty is uniquely qualified to educate and prepare actuaries. We have four professors with professional actuarial credentials, along with a great deal of practical, real-world experience," he says.
The second group, he says, is the institution and its administration for its support of the actuarial program.
"In the last six months, we have even created and introduced a new master’s degree program – the first Master of Science in Actuarial Science (MSAS) degree that is completely online and asynchronous," Gorvett says.
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The third group — "and most certainly not least," Gorvett says — is comprised of Bryant's actuarial students, whom Gorvett describes as intelligent, inquisitive, and energetic.
"Ultimately, the strength of any academic curriculum lies in its students, and the degree to which they engage with the faculty and learn from one another," he says.
He also points to Bryant's interdisciplinary approach to education as the "perfect context" for future actuaries to succeed.
"Our majors develop significant technical skills, get a strong appreciation for the liberal arts and what it means to be a good member of society, and minor in a business field," he says. "That’s a great combination!"
